University of Utah suspends baseball coach Bill Kinneberg for 14 games

Utah head coach Bill Kinneberg walks back to the dugout at Smith's Ballpark in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, March 28, 2017.

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah athletics has suspended baseball coach Bill Kinneberg for the first 14 games of the season. The university imposed the sanction following an NCAA rules violation involving a former staff member who engaged in impermissible practice and coaching activities. Utah officials self-reported the violation and suspended Kinneberg while the NCAA reviews the situation,

Kinneberg released a statement on the matter.

“As the head coach, it is my responsibility to make sure we are in compliance with all NCAA rules," he said. "My oversight was lacking in the area of a non-coaching staff member participating in coaching activities. I accept responsibility and have realigned our staff personnel to ensure it will not happen in the future.”

The suspension covers the first 25 percent of the season. Kinneberg will not be allowed to participate in any team activities, including practices and games, until the Utes face UNLV on March 12.